New Jersey’s Outstanding White-tailed Deer Program, initiated in 1964, includes categories for typical and non-typical antlered deer taken with bow, crossbow, shotgun and muzzleloading rifle, in addition to the weight categories listed below. A velvet category is added for early bow season deer.
In the Antlered Division, New Jersey’s Outstanding Deer Program uses the most common system in North America used for rating antlers as developed by the Boone and Crockett Club. This scoring system gives credit to antler length, spread, number of points, massiveness and symmetry. This measurement system also is used by the Pope & Young Club’s Bowhunting Big Game Records Program. Deer must have been taken under the Boone and Crockett-defined rules of fair chase. Deer taken from enclosed hunting lands are not eligible. It is best to have the rack measured before it is mounted. Don’t wait!
|
Category |
Minimum score |
|
Typical Firearm |
125 |
|
Non-typical Firearm |
135 |
|
Typical Archery |
125 |
|
Non-typical Archery |
135 |
|
Typical Muzzleloader |
125 |
|
Non-typical Muzzleloader |
135 |
In the Weight Division, the program recognizes exceptional body size as determined by the field dressed weight, including heart and liver removed. Two categories, one for bucks reaching or exceeding 200 pounds (proof of weight must be confirmed on a certified scale* for buck entries—no truck scales**—with the weighmaster’s signature on a letterhead receipt or on the entry form, available on our Web site) and one for field dressed does reaching or exceeding 135 pounds (witnessed, non-certified scale at a deer check station or Fish and Wildlife regional office).
Any properly licensed hunter, regardless of residency, is eligible to enter the Outstanding Deer Program. Deer must be taken in accordance with New Jersey wildlife laws and regulations. Applications are due Nov. 1—NO EXCEPTIONS. Additional rules are included on the official application form which consists of the original score sheet, hunter information form plus a clear photo of the hunter with the deer. These forms with instructions are available on Fish and Wildlife’s Web site or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Outstanding Deer Program, Mail Code 501-03, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420. State the type of form (Antlered Division, typical or non-typical; Weight Division, 200 Pound Buck or 135 Pound Doe). There is no entry fee.
All qualified entries will be added to New Jersey’s All Time List. For questions, call (609) 633-7598.
Qualifying entries for deer taken during the previous hunting seasons are displayed and recognized at the annual Garden State Deer Classic. Join Fish and Wildlife in celebrating New Jersey’s outstanding white-tailed deer at the Deer Classic in January at the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show.
The table below is a list of the top-scoring deer and the hunters who participated in the 2010 Garden State Deer Classic. The Classic showcased the outstanding deer taken during the 2008–2009 deer hunting seasons, not the past 2009–10 hunting seasons. These will be honored at the January 2011 Deer Classic.
* See entry form. A certified scale might be available at the following businesses:- Warehouse with shipping department
- Concrete, sand and gravel company
- Junk yard or scrap metal recycler
- Marina with party and charter boat fishing
